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Monday, April 27, 2015

Goodbye Brandy ...

On April 22nd, 2015, we had to make the hardest decision of our lives. We had to let Brandy go.

She was my best friend, my business partner and my rock. She was my son's best buddy, and just an amazing little dog. She was the main reason that I got into training dogs, not because she was a problem dog, but because I was blown away at the things you could teach a dog and by the things that you could accomplish with one if you put your mind to it.

She touched the lives of many, and those who knew me in the past 12 years, more than likely knew her as well. She changed many, many peoples negative opinions of Jack Russell Terriers - she was a breed ambassador. On multiple occasions I would get the comment, "can I take her home?", she made people smile where ever she went. She came everywhere and did everything with me, and was always more than willing to do what I asked of her.

Brandy was a very independent, driven little dog (probably the highest drive dog that I have worked with to date), who had tonnes of attitude and spunk. She liked to back talk if I was unclear in my handling, but always gave 300%. She was a brat of a puppy, typical Jack Russell Terrier, but once enrolled in obedience classes, became the easiest dog ever, that fit in to our family like she was always with us. She also had one heck of a sense of humour, and entertainment was high on her list of things to do.

She was multi-titled in agility, always participated in the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Canada trials, and had a few Rally Obedience titles as well. Her job was to work with dogs that displayed leash reactivity and work as my demo dog in classes, which she did beautifully. She took on another job, and became my son's best buddy and protector, even though she was never raised with children.

Brandy was a once in a life time dog who took a piece of my heart when she left. I will be forever grateful for being able to share my life with her, and I miss her terribly. I love you little dog.

Thank you to Hawkins Animal Hospital for taking care of her over the years, especially to Dr. Hornamen who gave her a new knee and who was there at the end. Thank you to the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Canada who started us off on the road to competition and became a constant in our lives. Thank you to my family, friends and clients for being so supportive during this difficult time.